Hi there. I’m Maija.
Just in case you’re wondering, that J in my name is pronounced like a Y.
You are welcome here.
From this point on, please consider me your long lost friend who is going to hold your hand throughout your photo experience.
You have a beautiful spark
I’ll help it shine bright.
I bring over 20 years of experience working and teaching within the arts and photography. I went to school for art education and took photography in the darkroom before digital was a thing. However, I’ve been mastering my craft since I was a kid. (See that little girl in the photo?)
With all that, I still need you as my team mate. YOU BRING THE ENERGY AND THE PERSONALITY. No pressure. I fully realize you may feel awkward in front of a camera. (Most people do, myself included.)
My experience plus your spark equals marketing assets that shine brighter than any stock photo ever could.
My Story So Far…
First, I was an art teacher.
I moved to Chicago in 2003 from Minnesota (yes, you might still hear the accent creep through) to be a high school art teacher in Chicago Public Schools. My experiences as art teacher led me to get my Masters in School Counseling and my LPC.
I still love to teach whenever I get the chance. Come join me for a Phone-tography Walk or workshop soon!
I seek adventure.
I’ll hike through the mud. I’ll swim to the depths of the ocean. I’ll camp in the rain. I’ll travel to new places. Adventure is what brings flavor to my everyday and makes me see the world with fresh eyes.
So far, my biggest adventure is raising my two school-aged boys alongside my husband. Everyday they teach me new ways to see.
I am a photographer…
…because it is the perfect combination of people, art, and adventure. It gives me joy to capture the spark within others. I love to show people just how amazing they are.
Most people feel awkward in front of a camera.
I DO TOO. My connection to that feeling of awkwardness influences my work. And quite honestly, it helps me make you feel more comfortable.
I value open communication and collaboration throughout your experience. It is my hope that you feel comfortable opening up to me so that I can step inside your world. I’ll also be your guide as I tell you what to expect throughout the time we work together.
Knowledge is power.
That power is your confidence shining through.
When a photo session is RELAXED & PERSONALIZED, that’s when your spark is able to shine the brightest. Every human has it. That spark is where your true beauty is found.
It’s all about teamwork.
Together, we have superpowers.
Meghan ~ Photo Editor
Meghan, based out of Rochester, NY, is the reason you’ll receive your preview galleries so quickly. She’s my second eye finding the best of the best and matches my edits.
When not working on your photos, Meghan is a mom to two rambunctious boys and one crazy dog. She also teaches dance and loves a good book.
YOU!
Without you I wouldn’t be here. You bring the stories, the energy, and the personality to each photo we make together.
You are the reason each photo session is uniquely beautiful.
And no worries, I am here to guide you. My style is (un)posed because it’s a balance between a spontaneous lifestyle approach and more formal posed portraits.
Tell me about
you!
Send me a message or schedule a call. (Zero-pressure for anything more because I know I’m not the photographer for everyone. It would be a disservice to you if I thought I was.)
